Online interactive tool will help caregivers support themselves and their loved ones while undergoing treatment and recovery

OTTAWA, July 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced the successful bidder for a contract to develop a new online tool that will help caregivers of Veterans with physical and mental health conditions.

Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been awarded the contract, valued at approximately $383,000, to design, develop and deliver an e-learning program for caregivers of Canadian Veterans. Users will be provided access to course content, peer support, and interactive discussion boards.

Once complete, the online tool will help caregivers of ill and injured Veterans learn how to better support themselves and their loved ones as they go through the treatment and recovery process. It will provide information, access to peer support, and opportunities to build problem-solving and resiliency skills, all supported by trained on-line facilitators. An online alumni community will provide ongoing social support.

The tool is expected to be available in summer 2017.

Quick facts

This online tool will be based on a program available to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, which has demonstrated success in terms of improved health outcomes for both Veterans and caregivers.Once training has been completed, participants will have an option to access peer and social support by linking with other 'graduates' of this six-week program.This initiative builds on the Operational Stress Injury Resource for Caregivers, an online, self-directed tool designed for caregivers and families of Canadian Armed Forces members or Veterans living with an operational stress injury, developed in collaboration with the Department of National Defence, and the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group.Founded in 1908, Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been recognized for pioneering health practices, sharing cutting-edge knowledge and delivering high-quality compassionate care.Saint Elizabeth provides health care education, ranging from self-directed, self-paced e-learning courses, to comprehensive on-site, hands on, clinical training, using best available evidence and adult education principles.

Quote

"I recognize the important role that families and caregivers play for Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans with physical and mental health issues. We are making great strides to support Canada's Veterans, and those who care for them. This initiative is one more tool that caregivers can use to get the support they need." The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense